Republican Women host state president

HILLSDALE — State President of Republican Women Sandra Kahn traveled to Hillsdale Wednesday from Saginaw to visit the Hillsdale club.

The club met at noon at Johnny T’s Bistro for a business meeting and luncheon prior to the program. Their 2013 Theme is “Rebuilding America: Educating and Reflecting Conservative Values.”

As state president of the Republican Women’s Federation of Michigan (RWFM), Kahn said she is on a mission to visit all the clubs in the state this year. Her program included an interactive time for questions, discussion, and feedback from the membership.

A former High School English teacher, retirement plan administrator and office manager, Kahn has been a member of the Saginaw County Republican Women’s Club for many years, having given 21 years of service to the Republican party at every level. She has held the position of corresponding secretary, treasurer, recording secretary and two terms as club president.

Kahn has been a member of the RWFM Board of Directors since 2006, where she served two terms as RWFM treasurer and one term as RWFM assistant treasurer.

Kahn said she feels honored to represent Michigan’s Federation of Republican Women’s Clubs at a time when public political involvement and education is vital to the future of the country and to the Republican Party.

“The Michigan Republican Women’s Clubs play a key role in this effort and I am proud of the work they are doing in our state,” she said. “The state federation is doing some things that I want all the clubs to have an awareness of.”

One of the first things mentioned coming up April 13 in Howell, is an all day, free event focused on women supporting women veterans.

“We’re hoping for a well designed program to have women’s organizations supporting our troops because women are routinely left out…we need to take care or our women vets,” Kahn said.

She is hoping to involve one or two people from every county in Michigan to become involved and know when someone is being discharged, so vets can be contacted to let them know what can be done for them.The next event Kahn encouraged membership to attend is Legislative Day from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 18.

“It’s important to back each other up when working in bodies of government,” she said.

On May 4 in Midland, a “Tribute to Women” day will be held to honor women who go to Republican women organizations. Ruth Johnson is the tributee this year.

“We really respect these women,” Kahn said. “What stands out is that they are serious.”

Another area starting up is the creation of a legislative liaison committee. Kahn said there are some issues that will require some pressure, such as the Common Core Data Standards adopted in 2010. She encouraged members to join groups on Facebook as this is the easiest way to communicate.

Page 2 of 2 - Lastly, Kahn encouraged members to become involved on a nominating committee as the same people generally are nominated.

“I know we have talents in the clubs and we won’t know if you don’t get a variety of involvement,” she said. “State presidents are asked to tell their clubs names in state offices.”

Also presented at the meeting was a “Legislative Minute“ presented by Secretary Connie Gale. She prepared a political briefing detailing the cost of federal regulations during President Obama’s first term as researched through the NFRW.